Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna Today (Nov 27) proposed a more streamlined approach for handling case withdrawals in court. He recommended that lawyers should send written letters in advance to formally request the withdrawal of cases, rather than relying solely on oral submissions when the matter is brought up for hearing. This suggestion aims to enhance procedural efficiency and reduce the time spent on such matters during court proceedings. The Chief Justice emphasized that prior communication in writing could help avoid delays and improve case management.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna today proposed an efficient approach for handling case withdrawals in the Supreme Court, suggesting that lawyers submit written requests in advance rather than relying on oral submissions during hearings.
“If you have any such requests, you may submit a letter to the Court Master one or two days in advance. This will assist us in addressing the matter or avoiding unnecessary review of the files. Whenever you wish to make a withdrawal request, you can always submit it in this manner.”
:CJI Khanna
This recommendation aligns with the judiciary’s broader commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing judicial efficiency.
Opposition to the Old Adjournment System
Speaking at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s Constitution Day celebration Yesterday (November 26), CJI Khanna addressed concerns about the reintroduction of the old system of seeking adjournments via circulated letters. He firmly opposed this, terming it “counterproductive.”
“I have been repeatedly getting requests for re-circulation of letters of adjournment… The data shows there were about 9,000-10,000 applications or letters for adjournments circulated every three months, which is more than 1,000 every day. It is not going to be possible for us to go back to the earlier system,”
-he explained.
While acknowledging that the current system could benefit from improvements, the Chief Justice emphasized that reverting to the previous method was not feasible due to its inefficiency.
Strengthening the Bar-Judiciary Relationship
Highlighting the integral bond between judges and the legal fraternity, CJI Khanna remarked,
“We belong to the bar. The better the bar, the better the judges.”
This acknowledgment underlines the judiciary’s reliance on the expertise and professionalism of lawyers to ensure justice.
Constitution Day: A Celebration of India’s Transformation
Reflecting on the significance of Constitution Day, CJI Khanna lauded the role of the Constitution in guiding India’s progress since independence. Constitution Day, also observed as Law Day, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949.
“India, since independence, has had a transformative journey… from a nation grappling with partition, widespread illiteracy, poverty, and hunger to emerging today as a mature and vibrant democracy,”
-he noted.
Calling the Constitution “a way of life that has to be lived up to,” CJI Khanna emphasized its pivotal role in shaping a progressive and democratic India. His remarks underscored the transformative impact of constitutional values in addressing challenges and fostering national growth.
A Commitment to Justice and Collaboration
In his address, CJI Khanna reiterated the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and the legal community. This partnership, he noted, is essential for upholding constitutional principles and delivering justice efficiently and fairly.
As India celebrates Constitution Day, the judiciary remains committed to honoring its role as the guardian of constitutional values, ensuring fairness, and continually improving its systems for the benefit of the nation.
This observance also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Constitution and the collective responsibility of the legal fraternity and judiciary in building a robust and equitable democracy.
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